Ms. Sutton refreshed her memory this summer with a review of molecular biology. Genetics, Genomics, Genethics is an online course offered by the American Museum of Natural History in New York, NY. The 6-week course explored how scientists investigate and apply the information contained in genetic codes and also examined the tools and techniques used in a molecular biology lab to learn about the Human Genome Project. The course also discussed ethical issues involved in emerging fields like genetic enhancement, genetically modified foods, and cloning.

The revised 8th grade curriculum will explore many of these futuristic ideas that are fast becoming part of our daily lives in the 21st century. The information and resources obtained from this course will assist Ms. Sutton in developing inquiry-based and hands-on activities to facilitate the understanding of these complex issues for her students.
 

This is the second online course Ms. Sutton has completed with the museum's "Seminars on Science" program for teachers. During the spring of 2005, Ms. Sutton completed Ocean Systems which explored the physical characteristics of the ocean and its related systems. Inquiry-based lessons and activities derived from this ocean exploration will also be integrated into the 8th grade curriculum.

Learn more about the Genetics, Genomics, Genethics course Ms. Sutton will be completing this summer by following this link:

Learn more about the Ocean Systems course Ms. Sutton completed in the spring of 2005 by following this link: